Young Farmers & Ranchers
Who Are We?
There are many returns for your time and effort as a Young Farmers and Ranchers participant. YF&R members have the opportunity to attend seminars focusing on leadership training and professional development, gaining valuable insights into all aspects of agriculture. YF&R provides various networking opportunities for its members both in your local network and statewide, including opportunities to meet with your elected representatives and agency officials. Between professional and social activities, YF&R has an area of interested for all young agriculturalists.
California agriculture is the most diverse in the world, and as a result, public policy issues affecting our industry can be very complex. Farm Bureau needs young leaders like you to be involved in the legislative process. YF&R members are invited to attend our YF&R Conference featuring speakers and workshops focusing on agricultural issues or our Leaders Conference focusing on political advocacy on state issues.
It’s all about who you know! Whether you are participating on the county, state, or national level, there are others who share the same challenges and successes that you do. Social activities are where YF&Rs have fun and network at the same time!
Contact your local county Farm Bureau office to inquire about the status of the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee and upcoming events. If a committee has not been appointed within your county and you are interested in getting one started, please indicate your interest to the county office.
For more information, contact the YF&R Program Coordinator at (800) 698-3276 or yfr@cfbf.com.
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YF&R State Committee
Serve on the YF&R State Committee
YF&R State Committee appointments are two year terms with even numbers district representatives appointed in even years and odd numbered districts appointed in odd years, as well as any vacant seats. This application will open in July.YF&R State Committee
Competitive Events
The Achievement Award Program is designed to recognize those Young Farmers & Ranchers who have excelled in their farming/ranching operations and honed their leadership abilities to superiority.
The contestants are evaluated on a combination of their farming operation growth and financial progress of operation, Farm Bureau leadership, as well as leadership outside of Farm Bureau. More specifically, the judges look for excellence in management, growth and scope of the enterprise and self-initiative that have been displayed throughout the operation. A contestant’s participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations is a definite point-getter from the judges.
Prizes
- First place wins $4,000 plus 250 hours use of a Kubota Tractor and a trip to the national AFBF Annual Meeting
- Second place wins $1,000
DEADLINE: August 1
Nomination Form – Link
DEADLINE: August 31
Achievement Award Application – Link
- 2019 – Seth and Alexandra Duivenvoorden, Tehama County
- 2018 – Zack Stuller, Tulare County
- 2017 – Joe Ferrari, San Joaquin County
- 2016 – Kelton Fleming, San Joaquin County
- 2015 – Daniel Bays, Stanislaus County
- 2014 – Brian Medeiros, Kings County
- 2013 – Allan Renz, San Benito County
- 2012 – Daniel “Rocky” & Lisa Donati, Butte County
- 2011 – Michael & Amber McDowell, Sacramento County
- 2010 – Pete & Wendy Aiello, Santa Clara County
- 2009 – Benina Montes, Merced County
- 2008 – Kurt Hoekstra, Stanislaus County
- 2007 – Josh Pitigliano, Tulare County
- 2006 – Ray & Erica Prock, Stanislaus County
- 2005 – Brandon Fawaz, Siskiyou County
- 2004 – Jim Spinetta, Amador County
- 2003 – Brian Fedora, Colusa County
- 2002 – Frank & Stacy Konyn, San Diego County
- 2001 – Michael Young, Kern County
- 2000 – Willem DeBoer, Tulare County
- 1999 – Bill Eiler, Siskiyou County
- 1998 – Carlos Estacio, Stanislaus County
- 1997 – John Bucher, Sonoma County
- 1996 – Thomas Albin, Fresno County
- 1995 – Robert Morelli, Stanislaus County
- 1994 – Lori Sousa, Tulare County
- 1993 – Mike & Katie Delbar, Mendocino County
- 1992 – Martin Pozzi, Marin County
- 1991 – Brent & Cindy Barton, San Joaquin County
- 1990 – David & Jane Roberti, Plumas-Sierra County
- 1989 – David Wendt, Stanislaus County
- 1988 – Ron Fisher, Stanislaus County
- 1987 – Rob Brokaw, Ventura County
- 1986 – Richard Rodriguez, San Joaquin County
- 1985 – Randy Rajovich, San Joaquin County
- 1984 – Dennis & Kathy Leonardi, Humboldt County
- 1983 – Ty & Nancy Wilkinson, San Diego County
- 1982 – Dave & Sylvia DeGroot, Fresno County
- 1981 – John & Mary Hertle, Stanislaus County
- 1980 – Bob & Darlene Man, Sonoma County
- 1979 – Clint & Pam Giacomini, Humboldt County
- 1978 – Mike Machado, San Joaquin County
- 1977 – Pat Ricchiuti, Fresno County
The Excellence in Agriculture Award Program is designed as an opportunity for Young Farmers & Ranchers, while actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture, to earn recognition. Participants are judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.
Prizes
- First place wins $4,000 and a trip to the national AFBF Annual Meeting
- Second place wins $1,000
DEADLINE: August 1
DEADLINE: August 31
Excellence in Agriculture Award Application – Link
Excellence in Agriculture Award Winners
- 2019 – Johnnie and Kendall White, Napa County
- 2018 – Kelly and Shannon Douglass, Glenn County
- 2017 – Tyler and Amy Blagg, San Joaquin County
- 2016 – Kevin and Liza Robertson, Kings County
- 2015 – Daniel and Meghan Dresselhaus, Trinity County
- 2014 – Matt and Melisa Watkins, Tulare County
- 2013 – Daniel Meza, San Joaquin County
- 2012 – Betsy Karle, Glenn County
- 2011 – Josh & Dr. Jennifer Pitigliano & Wessel, Tulare County
- 2010 – Corinne Santos, San Joaquin County
- 2009 – Jesse Lopez, Monterey County
- 2008 – Ted & Michelle Reimers, Stanislaus County
- 2007 – Chris Giannini, Tulare County
- 2006 – Steve McShane, Monterey County
- 2005 – Sam Dolcini, Marin County
- 2004 – Holly Foster, Butte County
- 2003 – Rosemary Vernon, San Luis Obispo County
- 2002 – Denise Skidmore, Merced County
The Discussion Meet competitive event is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems. Successful participants are productive thinkers rather than emotional persuaders and assist the group in creating ways to implement the solutions discussed and highlight Farm Bureau’s involvement in those actions/steps.
Open Contest Prizes
- First place wins $5,000
- Second place wins $1,000
- Third and Fourth place Finalist wins $500 each
Collegiate Contest Prizes
- First place wins $1,250 and a trip to the national AFBF YF&R Conference
- Second place wins $750
- Third and Fourth place Finalist wins $500 each
- Champion Collegiate Team wins $250
Discussion Meet Resources
- 2019 – Joshua Dowell, Sacramento County
- 2018 – Garrett Driver, Yolo County
- 2017 – Katie Veenstra, San Joaquin County
- 2016 – Dan Dresselhaus, Trinty County
- 2015 – Andrea Krout, Sonoma County
- 2014 – Brandon Fawaz, Siskiyou County
- 2013 – Beth Sequeira, Kings County
- 2012 – Diane Coderniz, Merced County
- 2011 – Megan Jacobsen, Fresno County
- 2010 – Tyler Blagg, San Joaquin County
- 2009 – Meghan Dresselhaus, San Bernardino County
- 2008 – Jake Wenger, Stanislaus County
- 2007 – Shannon Douglass, Glenn County
- 2006 – Amy Wolfe, San Joaquin County
- 2005 – Jim Spinetta, Amador County
- 2004 – Caroline Chapin, Monterey County
- 2003 – Steve McShane, Monterey County
- 2002 – Denise Skidmore, Merced County
- 2001 – Sandy Creighton, Fresno County
- 2000 – Sam Dolcini, Marin County
- 1999 – Alexandra Duarte, Stanislaus County
- 1998 – Vanessa Arellano, Madera County
- 1997 – Todd Rinkenberger, Merced County
- 1996 – Brent Grizzle, Imperial County
- 1995 – Heidi Kuhn, Imperial County
- 1994 – John Duarte, Stanislaus County
- 1993 – Martin Pozzi, Marin County
- 1992 – Bruce Lindauer, Tehama County
- 1991 – Kerry Waggoner, Sonoma County
- 1990 – Brent Barton, San Joaquin County
- 1989 – Dave Merwin, Yolo County
- 1988 – Randy Rocca, Fresno County
- 1987 – Shawn Stevenson, Fresno County
- 1986 – Linda Jo Neal, Napa County
- 1985 – Paul Wenger, Stanislaus County
- 1984 – Cal Dooley, Tulare County
- 1983 – Mitchell Klug, Napa County
- 1982 – Glen Caldwell, Lake County
- 1981 – Ed Grossi, Sonoma County
- 1980 – Dennis Leonardi, Humboldt County
- 1979 – Norm Crow, Stanislaus County
- 1978 – Brenton Smith, Merced County
- 1977 – Mel Machado, Merced County
Collegiate Discussion Meet Winners
- 2020 – Austin LaSalle, CSU, Fresno
- 2019 – Samuel Looper, CSU Fresno
- 2018 – Abigail Carson, CSU Fresno
- 2017 – Tim Truax, Modesto Junior College
- 2016 – Hunter Berry, CSU Fresno
- 2015 – Kenna Lewis, Cal Poly San Luis
- 2014 – Levy Randolph, CSU Fresno
- 2013 – Jake Carlson, CSU Fresno
- 2012 – Natalie Oelsner, CSU Chico
- 2011 – Tino Rossi, CSU Fresno
- 2010 – Keiko Osumi, Cal Poly San Luis
- 2009 – Olivia Gonzales, Cal Poly San Luis
- 2008 – Jackie Mundt, CSU Fresno
- 2007 – Grace Berryhill, CSU Chico
- 2006 – Brandon Souza, Cal Poly San Luis
- 2005 – Beth Sequeira, Cal Poly San Luis
- 2004 – Tracy Schohr, CSU Chico
- 2003 – Molly Fagundes, CSU Fresno
The YF&R Committee of the Year awards an outstanding local YF&R Committee that excels in Committee member involvement, County Farm Bureau involvement, Farm Bureau membership, Harvest for All program participation and is active within their agricultural community.
Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee of the Year Past Winners
- 2019 – Sonoma Marin
- 2018 – Kern County
- 2017 – Kern County
- 2016 – Butte County
- 2015 – San Joaquin County
- 2014 – San Joaquin County
- 2013 – Tulare County
- 2012 – Ventura County
- 2011 – Stanislaus County
- 2010 – Tulare County
- 2009 – San Joaquin County
- 2008 – Stanislaus County
- 2007 – Central Coast (Monterey)
- 2006 – San Luis Obispo County
- 2005 – Sacramento-Amador County
- 2004 – Tulare County
The YF&R Member of the Year awards an outstanding YF&R member that is active within their local YF&R Committee, county Farm Bureau and agricultural community.
Events
On June 22 CA YF&R partnered with the Sacramento County YF&R Committee to host a day of agricultural tours. There were 25 YF&R members in attendance from as far north as Butte County and south as San Diego County! They visited three farms including KLM diversified farms, Plaza Aqua Sturgeon and Caviar and McConnell Estates. The event ended at Sacramento County YF&R’s Annual BBQ. It was a day full of education and networking.
Stay tuned for information on our next ag tour and mixer!
The CA YF&R State Committee would like to invite YF&R Committee Chairs, or a representative from each committee to attend the annual Summer Leaders Meeting! This meeting is an opportunity for county YF&R leaders to come together to network and share ways to empower YF&R members throughout the state.
July 31, 2021
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sonoma County Farm Bureau Office
3589 Westwind Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Register for the meeting by July 10:
https://form.jotform.com/211176795860161
Rooming request due by Friday, July 2
This two-day leadership conference is attended by over 200 YF&Rs from across California and neighboring states. The conference is an opportunity to network with other YF&Rs, gain insight and ideas for building a better local YF&R program and receive updates on key issues and topics affecting the agriculture industry and young agriculturalists in California.
December 4-5 Garden Grove, CA
More to come
Harvest For All Program
Harvest For All
The Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Program is working with Feeding America to help feed the millions of Americans who face hunger in what we call a Harvest for All. Since Harvest for All began in 2003, Farm Bureau members have gathered nearly 65 million pounds of food, logged more than 30,000 volunteer hours and raised more than $778,000 in donations to local food banks. Throughout the year, farmers across the nation will be donating food, funds and people power to create a hunger-free America. And whether the contribution is a bushel, a dollar, or an hour, Farm Bureau and Feeding America will be working together to finish an important job—making sure every American can enjoy the bounty produced on our farms and ranches. In addition to work on the Harvest for All campaign, Farm Bureau and Feeding America have worked together on the CARE legislation that allows producers to take a tax deduction on donated commodities. The two groups will continue to work together on this as well as other legislation that meets both organizations' common goals and policy positions.
So, as a Young Farmer and Rancher Organization, what can you do? The Harvest for All campaign includes activities organized by state and county Farm Bureaus in connection with local Feeding America affiliates across the country.
There are four categories a YF&R group will be judged upon when competing against other states:
- Food quantity
- Money donated
- Volunteer hours contributed
- And the newest addition, most creative idea for an even or project that benefits local food banks and feeding charities.
Learn More
Harvest for All Accomplishments
Committee Resources
Committee Resources
California YF&R strives to provide guidance and materials for our County YF&R Committees. Whether you are looking for innovative meeting ideas, committee structure references, or program logos, these resources will provide you with new ideas and ways to enhance your local program.California Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Program is designed for young people who share an interest in improving themselves and agriculture. The program is designed for ages 18 – 35. The three basic purposes of the program are:
- 1) assist young farmers and ranchers in solving problems they face
- 2) expose young people to Farm Bureau
- 3) develop leadership abilities in young men and women
The Young Farmers and Ranchers Program is a vital part of the Farm Bureau and structured as a committee on county, state and national levels. County Young Farmers and Ranchers develop their own program of work with assistance from the state office.
Use the following resources as a guide in developing your committee. Please contact yfr@cfbf.com for more information on forming a new YF&R committee.
YF&R Program Information
YF&R Committee Structure
Steps to Starting a YF&R Committee
Committee Goal Setting Guide
YF&R Member Development
Sample YF&R Interest Letter
Building & Maintaining Effective YF&R Committees
SWOT Analysis
Agendas & Minutes
Enhancing Your Meetings
- Roles of Officers
- Guidelines for Effective Meetings
- Six Steps for Effective Meetings
- Tips for Time Management
- Keep Meetings Moving
- Keep Meetings On Time
- Make Meetings Fun
- Putting Zing into Meetings
- Avoid Meeting Interruptions
Goal Setting Guide
Managing Personalities
- Effective Team Members
- Minimize Meeting Mutiny
- Managing Difficult People in Meetings
- Tips for Dealing with a Variety of Personalities
Managing Volunteers
Meeting Resources
- Ways to Communicate with Members
- Improving Email Communications
- Reexamine Recurring Meetings
- Tools for Effective Brainstorming
General Program Information
Sample Committee Policies
- Committee Policy Sample – Lake County
- Committee Policy Sample – Ventura County
- Committee Policy Sample – San Luis Obispo County
Committee Member Responsibility
- Identify and express the opinions of Farm Bureau producer/members.
- Participate in committee efforts to analyze pertinent issues, and draft recommendations that reflect the
- convictions of the committee.
- Contribute personal opinions, insight, and advice that are relevant to committee discussions and objectives.
Who Qualifies as a YF&R Representative?
- Between the ages of 18-35 years old.
- Current voting Farm Bureau member.
- Current producer of the commodity nominated to represent.
- Available to attend a meeting in late January, February or early March and is willing to serve.
- Possesses strong interest and knowledge of the issues facing the commodity.